Welp..... Day 3 and beyond of potty learning did not go how I envisioned. One of my toddlers, who had been making progress, suddenly reverted back, while the other flat-out refused to use the potty at all. Cue the deep breaths, the frustration creeping in, and the lingering thoughts of, "What am I doing wrong?"
But here's the truth: I didn't fail, and neither did they.
Releasing Expectations & Embracing the Process
In a world where social media makes it seem like every other toddler is fully potty trained in three days, it's easy to feel like something is wrong when your child isn't following that timeline. But potty learning - like all other milestones - isn't one-size-fits-all.
Some kids pick it up quickly. Other take their time. And some (like mine right now) test the waters, make progress, and then take a few steps back. That's OK! They're not failing. They're learning in the way the makes sense for them.
What I'm Choosing Instead of Stress
Instead of pressuring myself (and them) to "get it right" immediately, I'm choosing to:
Trust their timing - Readiness isn't just about my schedule, it's about theirs.
Let Go of Comparison - Their journey is their own, and that's beautiful.
Create a supportive space - No shame, no stress - just encouragement.
Find peace in progress (even if it's slow) - Because this, too, is part of their growth.
Moving Forward with More Ease
So, what's next? We're taking a small step back, keeping the potty available, and encouraging them without pressure. We'll celebrate small wins, stay patient, and remind ourselves that this isa just one phase in a much larger journey.
To any other parent feeling the weight of expectations, I see you. You're not failing. Your child is not failing. You're both just figuring it out together - and that's exactly how it's meant to be.
Have you had a similar experience with potty learning?
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